What I've Learned From Living In Airports

While I haven't literally lived in airports, I grew up spending many a layover in the Chicago airport. My Dad worked for American Airlines and Chicago was their main hub. This meant about 99% of our travel included connecting in Chicago and waiting around as standyby's, hoping to get a seat on board. My parents would call an impromptu family meeting right at the gate to discuss which of us would go on and which would stay behind to wait for another flight if there weren't enough seats for all of us. It was reminiscent of the Life Boat game, only my brothers and I would wait to hear our fates from our own parents. Thus Chicago O'Hare became like a second home, and I spent many hours lamenting my fate and combating acute boredom. These were the days before WiFi, iPods, laptops, portable DVD players, blackberries, Gameboys, Nintendo DS, and cell phones. The horror.

I've learned that waiting in airports all day really sucks.

This week's holiday travel was no different and brought many hours of sitting around in an uncomfortable airport filled with anxious passengers, stale coffee, and the scent of airline fuel. The flight I had booked through Orbitz was nearly 5 hours delayed out of Newark Airport. Luckily I had registered my phone number with Orbitz when I purchased our tickets, and started receiving calls about the flight status that morning. I decided not to take our situation lying down and skipped trying to talk to Orbitz. Instead, I contacted Delta directly to see if there were any other flights available in a 40-mile radius. I was surprised to learn that there were two seats left on an earlier flight out of Laguardia. Because our original flight was delayed due to a mechanical problem and not weather (in other words, the airline was at fault), we were re-booked without a change fee. Had I called Orbitz, they would have charged me a $100 to do the same thing.

While my husband and I eagerly awaited our new flight to Atlanta, we discussed our good fortune of getting to leave early. We envisioned getting home in time for a glass of wine with my parents and tasty leftovers. I planned to watch a movie and take a hot shower, then turn in early with a good book. But as luck would have it, our new flight was also delayed several hours and because of the busy holiday weekend, there were no more flights with empty seats. It seemed impossible, but we were stuck and there was no other option but to wait.

But over the years, I've learned some tips to combat the airport blues. Here's a few tips to keep you busy if you're stranded:

Relax - There's very little you can do when a flight is delayed and getting worked up will only make your situation worse. Use the opportunity of being stuck as a chance to rest. We're all busy and working away at warp-speed, a flight delay may be one of the few times you can just rest and be alone (sort of) with your thoughts.

Call the Airlines - In many cases, it's easier to just call the airlines than talk to the gate agents, especially if there's a long line with annoyed passengers. Ask the representative if there are any other available flights. Be prepared to run to a new flight if need be, the airlines are not afraid to put you on a flight that's about to leave.

Talk to the Gate Agent - If calling the airlines doesn't work, find out when the next flight is departing yourself. Show up at the gate and ask if there are any available seats. The gate agents will either re-book you or offer stand-by status. Some airlines charge a nominal fee to do so, others will give empty seats for free. Keep in mind you can only get re-booked or fly stand-by on the same airlines you're already booked with.

Find a Comfortable Spot - Once you've made the rounds of trying to sort out your flight status, get yourself settled. Often the floor is a far better option than seats at the gate. There is usually tons of negative energy radiating from irate passengers and cranky gate agents. Not to mention the gates are almost always cramped and not at all comfortable. Lay out your jacket in a slightly out of the way area and sit down (make sure you can still see your gate to check for status changes and hear the gate agents' announcements). Get out a book, magazine, laptop, or cell phone and unwind. Sip on some water or if you really need to take the edge off, a beer.

Be Nice to the Airport Personnel - Gate agents, bag checkers, security, clerks, and airport personnel have a lot of power. Be pleasant, but firm with your needs. Always say thank-you and attempt to sympathize. Something as simple as "You guys must be swamped" can go a long way. If the gate agents see that you're trying to be positive, they're more likely to want to help. Likewise, a smile or pleasantry with the bag checkers (and maybe a tip) will up the odds of your bag being treated with extra care.

Do Something Productive - Much of time waiting at the airport is wasted being angry over delays. It's also extremely unmotivating to be stuck. Make a list of things you need to get done. If the airport has WiFi can you pay bills and catch up on your email? Return calls you've been neglecting, write a letter, re-pack your bag, make a future to-do list, and get organized. Even if you haven't accomplished a great deal, you'll feel energized getting something done that you've been neglecting.

Get a Change of Scenery - If you're not sure if it's safe to leave the gate area and risk a change in your flight status, just check with the gate agent. If you know you have some time to wander, stretch your legs and go for a walk. Walk briskly to raise your heartbeat and get energized. Visit some of the kiosks and thumb through magazines or window shop.

Drink Water - Many people complain of jet-lag on flights that are just 1-3 hours. In reality, they're suffering from dehydration. The change in altitude can also 'dry you out' so to speak. Drink a few glasses of water while you wait, allowing for plenty of bathroom breaks before your flight. You'll feel a lot better by the time you land.

Make a Friend - While we waited, we met a long-haired Datsun named Reuben and his owner. Reuben was extremely entertaining, affectionate, and curious. It was nice to have fun for a few minutes and forget about the delay. Most people are dying to chat for a minute and take their minds off the day.

Keep it in Perspective - Don't personalize the experience and say "Why me?" Thousands of people are delayed every day. The hurricanes Mexico a few years ago left tourists stranded for days inside the airport. During 9/11, no one in the country could get anywhere and were separated from loved ones and important matters for nearly a week. Remember that you'll get to where you need to go soon enough and in the big scheme of things, it's not the end of the world.

Reward Yourself - If you're on an especially long layover, you might want to consider purchasing a magazine. I like reading People, but only at airports or on the plane. It's my guilty-reading material and I rarely want to read it in every day life. If I've had a trying day and just want to enjoy part of it, even from inside an airport, I'll find a sports bar and have a beer or soda. Give yourself a little reward. Consider planning a special lunch when you get to where you're going, take a luxurious bath, or sleep in an extra hour or two the next morning.

Set a Budget - It's easy to overspend and overeat when you're bored or stressed. Make a budget beforehand and choose how to spend it. Airport prices are considerably higher since they're catering to a captive audience. If you have a tight budget, make a list of free things to do. People watching and trying to find those luggage carts to return for to the machines for quarters is always a fun pastime.


Our final fate? We finally made it to my parents house around 1am. The only consolation was knowing my original flight was so delayed it left more than an hour after we managed to escape. By contacting Delta right away, I at least saved ourselves a small amount of grief at the airport and managed to enjoy part of the wait.

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